WW1 patch - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

GTB · #1 29-07-12, 02:10 PM

I'd like to share this authentic WW1 patch (3 Div, 37 Bn). Has a lot of atmosphere to it.
GTB

John L · #2 29-07-12, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTB

I'd like to share this authentic WW1 patch (3 Div, 37 Bn). Has a lot of atmosphere to it.
GTB

If it is Australian then the gray back makes it WW II.

John

blackdraggon11 · #3 02-08-12, 02:24 AM

Sorry its WW2

Mike Jackson · #4 02-08-12, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackdraggon11

Sorry its WW2

I cannot identify it. Is it the first pattern sign worn before the T for Tobruk version?
Mike

GTB · #5 02-08-12, 07:42 AM

Thanks guys. I got it on the understanding it was WW1. Full outside size 2 1/4". I must say that the backing material posed a puzzle. I cannot comment further unless am able to compare with another.
GTB

John L · #6 02-08-12, 11:49 PM

It is the 37th Battalion,1939-1942, 37th/52nd, 1942-1946. It is a CMF battalion. But if an indivual had joined the AIF then he could wear the gray back to the patch.
John

slick_mick · #7 03-08-12, 12:06 AM

John is correct - it's a World War 2 militia battalion patch.

GTB · #8 03-08-12, 05:03 AM

Fine. That's what the Forum is all about.
GTB

Mike Jackson · #9 03-08-12, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John L

It is the 37th Battalion,1939-1942, 37th/52nd, 1942-1946. It is a CMF battalion. But if an indivual had joined the AIF then he could wear the gray back to the patch.
John

In the Second World War was it the case that when a certain proportion of members of a Militia unit had taken the individual decision to "go AIF" the whole unit was given AIF status (and with it the right to wear the 2 AIF grey border to the Militia colour patch)?

John L · #10 03-08-12, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

In the Second World War was it the case that when a certain proportion of members of a Militia unit had taken the individual decision to "go AIF" the whole unit was given AIF status (and with it the right to wear the 2 AIF grey border to the Militia colour patch)?

Mike,

I don't know for sure but the AIF were volunteers for overseas duty. the Militia were not. I have not seen where a Militia battalion was ever "over seas". I would note that some of the near by islands were not considered over seas.

John

Mike Jackson · #11 04-08-12, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John L

Mike,

I don't know for sure but the AIF were volunteers for overseas duty. the Militia were not. I have not seen where a Militia battalion was ever "over seas". I would note that some of the near by islands were not considered over seas.

John

The definition of "overseas" was adjusted to inclued New Guinea.

"The Second World War was the first in which conscripted Australian militia were ever used overseas, and they proved their mettle in the toughest of schools, the jungle [New Guinea]. The 3rd and 5th Divisions received most recognition, because it fell to them to do much of the fighting, and also because they did whatever was asked of them."

(Australians in Nine Wars - Waikato to Long Tan by Peter Firkins)

lettman · #12 06-09-12, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John L

Mike,

I don't know for sure but the AIF were volunteers for overseas duty. the Militia were not. I have not seen where a Militia battalion was ever "over seas". I would note that some of the near by islands were not considered over seas.

John

Australian militia units could be sent to any of the so-called Australian Mandated Territories; they therefore saw much action in New Guinea, New Britain, Bougainville and the like. The one time the 'rule' was broken was the sending of some militia units to help garrison Merauke, which was over the border in what was at the time Dutch New Guinea.